Information Technology

The study of ICT at PGHS is both practical and theoretical. In lessons we never lose sight of the practical application of ICT which is integral to working in school and in the wider sphere of modern society. Girls study in a supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere. All girls leave with an excellent knowledge of ICT theory and an accomplished use of the main MS Applications, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Access. They use the knowledge and skills gained at PGHS to great advantage throughout their studies here and beyond into Sixth Form and University. Girls, with permission of subject teachers, are allowed to use computers at break and lunch time to complete work.

Blindfolded Touch Typing Challenge

The study of ICT enables students to:

• Increase knowledge, skills and understanding in information technology.
• Use their creativity to design working information and communication systems which carry out tasks and solve problems.
• Develop a broad and balanced experience of the range of information and communication systems, while understanding their capabilities and limitations.
• Identify opportunities for problem solving using appropriate techniques and equipment effectively and safely.
• Extend their ability to comment and reflect on significant social, environmental, economic and aesthetic implications and effects of information technology in today’s world.

Curriculum

Year 7

Students begin by learning about communicating online safely. Guidance is given in the safe use of Email, Chat rooms, Gaming and Social Networking sites. Girls then progress to a short and effective online keyboarding course. They go onto learn more about the advanced functions of Microsoft word, including tables and graphics. Year 7 end the year by studying Excel Spreadsheets and work with simple and complex formulae and functions to explore what-if scenarios. They also undertake advanced charting.

ICT Sports Drink Group

Year 8

Students embark on the study of data collection, databases and their role in our society. This encompasses EPOS, EFTPOS, and law as it relates to data controllers and users. They will create databases using MS Access and work on a joint project with the History Department to create a Tudor database. After this topic they learn all about the advanced functions of presentation software. Working with PowerPoint pupils will learn to use custom animation, music, timed and hyperlinked presentations. Incorporated in this topic is graphics where pupils have the opportunity to amend and enhance photographs and drawings using Serif Software. They finish the year by consolidating their previously learned ICT skills and knowledge in an integrated project. They will use the Internet for research, word process reports, use Serif DrawPlus and PhotoPlus to implement a design of a product and use PowerPoint to advertise their product.

Year 9

Students revisit topics studied in Years 7 and 8 but this time with a view to using their knowledge and software skills in a GCSE-focussed environment. Advanced word processing, spreadsheet and database skills are developed. Topics include mail merge, goal seek, if statements and structuring relational databases as well as web page creation using HTML and MS FrontPage. In the final project pupils integrate the skills they have learned during Key Stage three.

GCSE Information and Communication Technology

ICT is a popular option at GCSE. Between half and two thirds of a year group opt to study ICT. Results are excellent and the benefits to pupils in terms of practical, transferrable skills for education and the work place are immense.

In September 2010 all GCSE ICT Specifications are changing to a new syllabus that reflects the changing nature of ICT in the world today. At present these specifications are yet to be approved by QCA. Controlled assessment will be taking the place of coursework. Content emphasis is given to the development of transferrable skills such as thinking creatively, logically and critically with a particular focus on problem solving.

GCSE ICT pupils have unlimited access to computers at lunch and break times and also may attend a regular weekly workshop to allow them extra, supervised time to complete coursework. This is held on a pre-agreed day after school.

Year 11 girls undertake general work experience placements. The school has received a number of very complimentary comments from employers who have been extremely impressed at the level of office software skill that Palmers Green girls possess.

Exam Results

GSCE ICT results are excellent with girls attaining 100% A*- A grades in 2011.

A number of girls go on to do ICT at A-level. Returning “old girls” have spoken about how useful their GCSE projects were in planning and completing the projects required at AS and A2 level. Some have even based their AS project on their GCSE project topic.

Extra Curricular Activities

The ICT Department runs an ICT club (Years 7 and 8) and ICT Workshop (Years 10 and 11) so that girls can further develop their interest in this subject.